On Saturday night, February 21, 2026, our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy. My wonderful mother-in-law Jody lost her life in a senseless act of violence.

That same night, my brother-in-law returned home from work and was violently attacked. Despite his injuries, he was able to briefly call 911 before the call was disconnected. Thankfully, law enforcement responded quickly and were able to intervene, saving his life.

While at the home, officers discovered my mother-in-law in her bedroom. Although life-saving efforts were attempted, she was pronounced deceased at the scene. The medical examiner has since ruled her death a homicide. The individual responsible has been charged in connection with the attack on my brother-in-law, and this remains an active investigation.

My brother-in-law sustained serious injuries, including a fractured spine and fractured ribs, along with deep emotional trauma that will take far longer to heal. We do not yet know how long he will be unable to work or whether he will feel safe returning to the home.

My mother-in-law was one of the most caring and generous women you could ever meet. Even when she had little, she would give whatever she could to help someone else. She loved crafting and creating handmade gifts for the people she cherished. She loved her grand children more than anything. She was also a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. Her life was taken far too soon, leaving behind a family who loved her deeply.

We are raising funds to help ease the financial burden my brother-in-law now faces. Medical bills, funeral expenses, housing uncertainty, and everyday living costs will continue to grow in the coming weeks and months. There had been plans to prepare the home for sale this spring, but due to his physical condition and the trauma tied to the home, that is no longer possible at this time.

Any support — whether through a donation or simply sharing this page — means more than we can ever express. Thank you for standing with our family during this devastating time.